Raise Your Voice and Lift Your Heart: Chanting Music

I am a fan of Kirtan, aka chanting using Sanskrit mantras. It is great way to meditate, relax your body and mind, and uplift your mood by opening your heart. I know that sounds a bit "wop-woo," but it is true. People have been feeling its benefits for centuries since Kirtan is one of the oldest sacred music traditions of the world.

Many yoga studios offer monthly or weekly Kirtan sessions with musicians playing the sitar, harmonium, and tabla. Performed in a call-and-response fashion, you don't have to know the words but just repeat the phrase the leader sings. If you can't find Kirtan in your area, these CDs are the next best thing. Pilgrim Heart is my absolute favorite.